The science-packed, storybook space adventures of a dog named Max are blasting off in real life to be read on board the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts will record reading the books for children to enjoy and learn from back on Earth.

The books, which are part of a new educational program called "Story Time From Space," are launching aboard an Orbital Sciences' unmanned Cygnus spacecraft along with science experiments and supplies destined for the space station.

...aboard the space station, astronauts during their free time will record videos of themselves reading the stories from inside the multi-windowed cupola, the Earth below serving as their dynamic backdrop. The resulting videos will then be sent back to the ground for distribution to classrooms.

In addition, as Story Time From Space continues and as more equipment is launched, astronauts will record videos of science demonstrations that complement the concepts presented in each of the books.

An astronaut on the International Space Station is floating before a bank of windows revealing the Earth below. He is holding open a children's book, pointing at a drawing of the orbiting outpost.

"This is the story about how Max's adventures in space began with a trip to the International Space Station," reads Michael Hopkins. "And right there, you can see a picture of the International Space Station."

The scene marks the start of the first video produced as a part of "Story Time From Space," an educational outreach project that has the astronauts onboard the space station reading from a series of science-themed kid's books about a dog named Max and his experiences exploring the solar system.

BMckay

Please help the Kickstarter campaign they have. One week to go and they really need some support... I have pledged some, so I hope you will.

NASAgoob

Thanks for the push! I just sent $80 for a great project.

I challenge our other cS members to donate OR at least spread the word using your social media accounts. We can help the kids and inspire a future explorer.